Feinstein has concerns about arming Libyan rebels

From NBC's Lauren StephensonDemocratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has expressed concern with arming the rebels in Libya. Appearing on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports" yesterday, Feinstein said: "I think the question of arming the rebels is one that we harken back to Afghanistan where we arm the Mujahadin and then found those weapons later on used against us."

Feinstein said her main concern is Khaddafy himself. "Khaddafy has shown every sign of recalcitrance. He's not going to quit. He's going to stay the course. And therefore it begins with Khaddafy and it ends with Khaddafy."

Although Feinstein said there "is an enormous amount of firepower, of tomahawk missiles being used," she told Mitchell it will not stop Khaddafy. "I think, at the head of the snake here. And the snake, in this case, is Moammar Khaddafy. And he's got to go."

When asked how to take Khaddafy out of power, Feinstein cited three options: using the International Court, moving the ruler out of the country by offering him some incentives, or having him meet "the same fate as Saddam Hussein met."

Feinstein said she hoped some questions would be answered in the briefing by Secretaries Clinton and Gates and Admiral Mullen, including what the coalition will do about Khaddafy. The senator made clear the sense of urgency that characterizes international involvement in Libya. "There is an immense gathering of forces of many nations out there. This is not a minor exercise. And if it doesn't work, we need to know that. And we need to change direction."